The Miyagi Museum of Art

This is one of Japan’s most vaunted public art museums due to its great size. The museum holds a variety of works, mostly Japanese and Western style paintings, block prints, sculptures and crafts by artisans related to Miyagi Prefecture and the Tohoku area, but also foreign works by the likes of Kandinsky and Klee. Naturally you should visit the permanent collection as well as the special exhibitions that change several times yearly. But the Churyo Sato Gallery commemorating the Miyagi-born, world famous sculptor, and the gallery for viewing images of world famous works are also must-sees. This is not just a museum for viewing art, there is also a studio that is open and free to use during the museum’s open hours where you can create your own works of art. Another attraction is the stylish and relaxing cafe with its designer chairs and antique furniture from Japan and abroad. The courtyard with its sculptures and the rear garden that looks down on Hirosegawa River are perfect for strolls.